On Saturday June 8, 2019 I had the pleasure to attend Fort Bend RC Club’s Giant Scale Aerobatic/3D Fly In. Fort Bend’s field is located in Rosenberg, Texas (southwest of Houston).

The event was well attended by pilots and spectators and most of all some first class airplanes and flying. Fort Bend RC has a very nice facility including air-conditioned club house, restrooms, covered shade area and paved runways.

The weather was great which allowed pilots to fly most anything they had all day long. This was a nice change from earlier in the year when several other events were cancelled or postponed.

I believe everyone enjoyed the day, the food and the flying. It was a safe and well done event…Thanks to all the volunteers that put it together…Benny

On Saturday April 20, 2019 the Alvin Radio Control Model Airplane Association (ARCMAA) held its 29th annual Big Bird Fly In and 15th annual Swap Meet. The weather was absolutely perfect – clear, very mild breeze and cool – don’t know how Fred Daniels, CD found the contact info for Mother Nature but hope he saves it. The club had close to 20 pilots registered along with local RC visitors from local clubs and local spectators. With the weather as perfect as it was the pilots should have gotten all the flying they wanted.

The entire event was a success and very well done. It ran very smooth, no safety issues and no crashes that I witnessed.

Airplane entries were a complete cross section of airplanes in our hobby from large scale cubs to large warbirds and everything in between.

The first photo below is a group shot of some of the pilots, CD Fred Daniels, some of the airplanes entered and me. The second photo is Alvin RC’s hard working dedicated Hamburger Team responsible for “the best hamburgers in Texas”!!!

Thanks to all of the pilots, visitors, spectators and all of the club volunteers that made this event a success. Benny Behrens, AVP Houston area

Below is an excerpt from an article by Mike Laible, President of Johnson Space Center RC Club’s (JSCRCC) newsletter:

"This month I start the column with mixed feelings. Last week I just found out that Dave Hoffman passed away last year. He meant so much to this club and was treasurer for over 40 years. Dave was so proud of being a part of the JSCRCC and always helped the club and had a huge heart for instructing new members. Over the years his flying subsided some but up until a couple of years ago was still treasurer. It was a tough decision for him to step down, but he put the club before his own desires.”

At JSCRCC’s 2017 Warbird event I had the honor to present a District VIII Service Award to Dave. Dave had been a member of JSCRCC for 50 years and was the club Treasurer for almost the same 50 years. Dave will be missed by the club’s members and by all the modeling community he touched during those years….Benny Behrens, District VIII AVP – Houston area.

This year Alvin RC Model Airplane Association had to cancel their Charity Fun Fly due to rain and wet field conditions. At the club’s last meeting it was decided to ask for donations and as a result of this effort we were able to give the Sheriff $700 in $50 gift cards for distribution to less fortunate folks by his deputies. Below is a letter from the Sheriff expressing his appreciation:

Mr. Benny Behrens, President
Alvin Radio Control Model Airplane Association

On behalf of myself and the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office I want to thank you and all members of the Alvin Radio Control Model Airplane Association for your contribution to the citizens of Brazoria County.

I understand that this year due to extreme weather you were unable to hold your "Fly ln Fundraiser" but instead members of the club donated $700.00 which you wish to contribute to the Sheriff s Office in the form of cash cards. The Sheriff’s Office through its deputies will identify citizens in need some still from the effects of the last three years of flooding and other hardships and will then distribute these cash cards to those citizens.

Again, I wish to thank you and your fellow members for such a generous act and for giving the Sheriff's Office a chance to be a part of your team to help those in need.
Sincerely,
Charles S. Wagner, Sheriff
Brazoria County, Texas”

Thanks to everyone that contributed and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Great New Year full of great flying weather...Benny

In August of 2018, Alvin RC Model Airplane Association lost one of its most dedicated and well-liked club members, Mike Vawters. As Vice-President and Safety Officer, he provided the club with invaluable leadership and expertise through the years. Alvin RC's yearly Fun Fly, now named after him, is to honor him for his contributions to the club and to the hobby. We are continuing his idea of having this Charity Fund Raiser Fun Fly Event to welcome other clubs to our flying field just to have an enjoyable day of flying, camaraderie and to support a very worth while cause.

Mike you will missed by the club members and your friends in the local RC community.

Mike (on the right) presenting Sheriff Wagner with $1700 in gift cards last year

Saturday May 12, 2018 I visited the Texas City RC Club’s (TCRCC) annual Warbird Fly-In. Unfortunately TCRCC’s original date earlier in the year got rained out but for a reschedule date they picked a great day - weather was perfect and the event was well attended with pilots and visitors. The club volunteers had the field in great shape and did a great job of planning and managing the event. CD Harvey Capel and Larry Ammons, Club President did a very good job of keeping the event running smooth and safe.

With 24 pilots there were many types and sizes of military aircraft that represented a great cross section of history and provided a great show for the spectators and visitors. Two gaggles were flown which added to the excitement.

The weather was typical spring conditions - cool and very flyable with the flight line full for most of the day. Texas City’s field is really a very nice facility with large air-conditioned clubhouse, full restrooms, lots of shade for planes and spectators along with plenty parking.

Thanks folks for a great event…

Pilots for first gaggle - Harvey Capel CD is fifth from left in white shirt

On Saturday April 28, 2018 I had the privilege to visit Johnson Space Center RC Club’s (JSCRCC) Warbird Fly-In. The event was a great success with approximately 38 pilots registered.

JSCRCC has somewhat of a unique situation in that their field is located within the fence line of JSC and to reach the field/event pilots and spectators have to pre-register enough in advance to allow security time to clear them. Their security folks did a great job in hassle free handling of the security checks and it did not appear to be any real burden or restriction on attendance. The security folks were very helpful and courteous at the entrance gate. In addition to the registered pilots many visitors/spectators were in attendance. Weather for the event was perfect with wind right down the runway. As with all events volunteers are critical and JSCRCC’s crew did a great job.

There were many, many different type military aircraft from small electrics to large scale WWI and WWII combat aircraft. Pilots came from as far away as Fort Worth and Austin.

After 911 JSCRCC stopped having events for several years due to tighter security policies but three years ago JSCRCC decided to try holding an event working with security. It is obvious their event is growing and becoming a popular classic in the area.

Thanks to all of the pilots and club volunteers that made this a very successful and enjoyable event…I am sure everyone enjoyed themselves….I know I did.

On Saturday December 2, 2017 the Alvin Radio Control Model Airplane Assoc. (Alvin RC) held a Fun Fly Fund Raiser. The proceeds from the event were to be used to purchase cash gift cards for distribution to less fortunate folks through the Deputies of the Brazoria County Sheriff Department.

Last year Alvin RC had the same plans but due to heavy rains the event had to be cancelled. This year event day could not have been better with clear skies, temperatures in the low to mid 70’s and a light breeze right down the runway. We had a very good turnout of pilots, visitors from other chartered clubs in the area and local spectators. The event was open to all types of airplanes so long as they could be flown within the overfly limits of Alvin RC’s field.

What made the event a huge success was the contributions and donation of money as well as RC ARF’s, equipment and materials (plus one strawberry/chocolate cake) from club members as well as members of other local clubs. All items were either raffled, included in a silent auction or sold outright. As a result of essentially everything being donated the club had very little cost related to the event and was able to use almost 100% of the proceeds to purchase the gift cards.

On Friday December 8th Mike Vawters Club VP, Safety Officer and Event Organizer along with Benny Behrens Club President and District VIII AVP met with and delivered 34 - $50 gift cards to Sheriff Charles Wagner of Brazoria County. The letter below sums up the Sheriff’s feelings on the event.

"Alvin Radio Control Model Airplane Association

Dear Sir:

On behalf of myself and the Brazoria County Sheriff s Office I want to thank you and all members of the Alvin Radio Control Model Airplane Association for your contribution to the citizens of Brazoria County.

I understand that on December 2, 2017 your association held a "Fly In" and that as a result of this event where able to raise $1700.00 which you wish to contribute to the Sheriff s Office in the form of cash cards. The Sheriff s Office through its deputies will identify citizens in need as a result of this year's flooding and other hardships and distribute these cash cards to those citizens.

Again, I wish to thank you and your fellow members for such a generous act and for giving the Sheriff s Office a chance to be a part of your team to help those in need.

Sincerely,

Charles S. Wagner, Sheriff Brazoria County, Texas"

It has been an honor to do this and thanks to everyone that helped make this a great success. Thanks…Benny Behrens – AVP Houston

On October 27th and 28th Jetero RC Club hosted their annual Southeast Texas Warbird Rally. I was unable to attend due to a timing conflict but Michael Jackson, CD sent the following write-up and it looks like I missed a great event:

On October 27th and 28th the Southeast Texas Warbird Rally hosted by the Jetero RC Club turned out to be an awesome event, despite the cold and windy conditions. We had 52 pilots that did an outstanding job of putting on a great show during the two day event. The highlight of the weekend was an epic 21 plane gaggle where all aircraft took off, flew well, and landed without incident. Lawrence Harville, AMA District VIII Vice President, attended the event on Friday and appeared to be having a really nice time. Thanks for coming Lawrence!!! We ended the day on Friday with some delicious catfish dinners catered by Mike’s Restaurant from Dayton, TX. Everyone was full and happy
The 2017 award winners are as follows:
Best WWI: Mark Kramer with the Balsa USA Sopwith Pup (The plane flew surprisingly well in the high winds)
Best WWII: Keith Fontenott with the Phoenix Models Spitfire (Keith did a fantastic job of weathering and detailing this aircraft)
Best Civilian: Deryl Rolle with the RV4 (Darryl flew this plane really well, Speed Fresh style)
Best Multi Engine: Randy Larsen with the F-82 (TRULY AWSOOOOOME!! This aircraft is a show stopper. Very nice flying Randy)
Fastest Warbird: Greg Yancy with the fast and furious Sweet Caroline P-51 Mustang
Best of Show: Larry Hultman and Glenn J Snedden with the two Ziroli Skyraiders (beautifully detailed and flown very well by both pilots)
Congratulations to all the award winners. Great job guys!!!
The Grand Raffle prize this year was the Top Flite Giant Scale Tarheel Hal P-47D Thunderbolt with Robart pneumatic main
retracts. The lucky winner was Andre Medveczky. Congrats Andre!!!
This success of the event would not have been possible without the support from the Jetero club members. Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication. A BIG THANK YOU to this year’s warbird sponsors: Randy’s Hobbies, Samano’s Hobbies, New Creations, VQ Warbirds, Tower Hobbies, Hobbico, Callie Graphics, Tru-Turn, Sullivan Products, RTL Fasteners, Bob Smith Industries, Big Dog RC, Pete and Mary Ruth Cyer, and the Jetero RC Club members.
I can’t forget my Texas Warbird Thunder Pilot brothers. Thank you all for making this an outstanding flying season. We went to many meets this year and flew hard and put on an outstanding show each and every time. GREAT JOB GUYS!!!!
Best Regards,
Michael "No Loops" Jackson

Mont Wright of Texas Cloud Busters sent me a brief report on their AMA National Model Aviation Day Celebration:
“Our club held an AMA National Model Aviation Fly Day on August 12th, 2017. We registered our event with AMA to commemorate and celebrate our hobby. Our club’s field is located at Jack Brooks Park, Kitty Hawk, Hitchcock, Texas. We had members, guest and family members come out to enjoy a fun day of flying, hot dogs & hamburgers and some good all Texas warm weather”.

On Saturday April 22, 2017 I had the privilege to visit Johnson Space Center RC Club’s (JSCRCC) Warbird Fly-In. The event was a great success with almost 40 pilots registered.

JSCRCC has somewhat of a unique situation in that their field is located within the fence line of JSC and to reach the field/event pilots and spectators have to pre-register enough in advance to allow security time to clear them. Their security folks did a great job in hassle free handling of the security checks and it did not appear to be any real burden or restriction on attendance. The security folks were very helpful and courteous at the entrance gate. In addition to the registered pilots many visitors/spectators were in attendance. Weather for the event was perfect with wind right down the runway. As with all events volunteers are critical and JSCRCC’s crew did a great job.

There were many, many different type military aircraft from small electrics to large scale B-17’s and B-24. Pilots came from as far away as Fort Worth and Austin.

Near lunch time I had the honor to present a District VIII Service Award to Dave Hoffman. Dave has been a member of JSCRCC for 50 years and was the club Treasurer for almost the same 50 years. That is a “tough act to follow” – Congratulations Dave!

Thanks to all of the pilots and club volunteers that made this a very successful and enjoyable event…I am sure everyone enjoyed themselves….I know I did.

On Saturday April 15, 2017 the Alvin Radio Control Model Airplane Association (ARCMAA) held its 27th annual Big Bird Fly In and 13th annual Swap Meet. The weather was very questionable up to two days before the event. Somehow Alvin RC got lucky – the weather cleared two days before the event and the ground dried and weather turned out perfect. The event was well attended with about 24 pilots registered along with many local RC visitors from local clubs and local spectators. Alvin was honored to have a reporter from the Alvin Sun visit our event. He was very impressed with the quality of planes and flying skills and is in the process of writing a front page article for the paper.

The entire event was a success and very well done, ran very smoothly and safely.

Airplane entries were a complete cross section of airplanes in our hobby from large scale cubs to large warbirds and everything in between.

Thanks to all of the pilots, visitors, spectators and all of the club volunteers that made this event a success.

Saturday April 8, 2017 I visited the Texas City RC Club’s annual Warbird Fly-In. The weather was perfect and the event was a huge success with approximately 45 registered pilots, many swap meet participants, great raffle prizes and many spectators and visitors. The club volunteers really did a great job planning and managing this event.

The many types and sizes of military aircraft represented a great cross section of WWI through current military aircraft and provided a great show for the spectators and visitors. The weather was typical spring conditions - cool and very flyable with the flight line full for most of the day. Texas City’s field was in great condition and with improvements made during the last year the club was able to handle the number of pilots and spectators with no problems.

The flying included two turbine demonstrations and an attempt to break Jetero’s 18 warbird gaggle local record but fell short by about 6 planes. Still a great try!

On Friday October 28 and Saturday October 29 Jetero RC Club held their annual Southeast Texas Warbird Rally. This was one outstanding event with major participation. The following is a copy of the Facebook post prepared by Michael Jackson the event CD:

The Jetero RC Club would like to thank everyone that came out and participated in the Southeast Texas Warbird Rally. Thanks to the BIG GUY for the outstanding weather that resulted in there being 61 registered pilots and a host of spectators that attended the two day event.

This event would not have been possible without our great sponsors: Samano’s Hobbies, Remote Control Hobbies Spring, Randy’s Hobbies, RC Hobby Shop, Tru-Turn, Sullivan Products, Callie Graphics, BSI, RTL Fastener, Servo City, RedWing RC, RC Fueling Systems, and Tower Hobbies. Thank you all for supporting the Jetero warbird event. Hobbyist, please continue to support your local hobby shops as they have supported us over the years.

All the pilots including the famous Texas Warbird Thunder Flying Team did a fantastic job putting on a great show for all to see. There was continuous flying during the two day event with very few mishaps. Some crazy person came up with the bright idea of doing a 15 warbird gaggle to top a 14 warbird gaggle record that was set earlier this year. Well, the record was SHATTERED with 18 warbirds flying at once with not one casualty. During the entire gaggle we rocked to AC/DC’s Thunderstruck. It was a FAST, FURIOUS, and THUNDEROUS gaggle to be a part of and witness. AWESOME! AWESOME! AWESOME! A big thank you to all the courageous pilots that made the record breaking gaggle a success. WOW!!!

After all of the flying on Saturday we proceeded to the award ceremony. All of the pilots had very nice planes and did a fantastic job of flying them. The judging was tough. The award winners are as follows:

Best WWI Award: went to Albert Thibodaux for his Sopwith Pup.
Best WWII Award: went to Gary Smith for his scaled out B-17 Bomber.
Best Civilian Award: went to Larry Hultman for his PT-17 Stearman.
Best Multi-Engine Award: went to Len Haroldson for his F7F Tigercat.
Fastest Warbird Award: went to Paul “Low Pass” Curry (Lower! Lower!)
Dedicated Pilot Award: went to Randy “Firewall” Lawson (You Da Man)
Best of Show: went to Deryl “Speed Fresh” Rolle (Well deserved Speed)

Congratulations guys. You did a fine job.

This year the Grand Raffle Prize was a Top Flite P-47 Razorback ARF, Robart Pneumatic retracts with a large deluxe air kit. The LUCKY WINNER was Glenn Snedden. Congratulations Glenn!

I can’t forget about the Jetero supporting staff that worked tirelessly to keep the event running like a well-oiled machine. THANK YOU for all your hard work.

In closing, this has been a long, but great year of flying. I’ve made many friends and have enjoyed the camaraderie with all that have attended the fly-ins here in Texas and Louisiana. I encourage you all to get out and support other club’s events. If you don’t fly, buy a lunch or purchase raffle tickets. Anything will help. I’ve always said, when you support another club’s event they will reciprocate and support yours. Well, I’ve been missing out on the Texas Warbird Thunder gaggles, so I gotta go do some work on the P-47. As Arnold would say. “I’LL BE BACK”

On Saturday October 15th I had the pleasure to visit Space City RC Club’s Fall Warbird Fly-In along with Lawrence Tougas, AMA Presidential Candidate. Lawrence and I visited several clubs the Houston area so local members could visit with Lawrence and discuss his views and his plans should he be elected as President of AMA. Space City, located in Katy, TX was our first stop.

Space City’s Warbird Fly-In was very well attended with 35+ pilots and many visitors and spectators. Pilots from as far away as Austin, TX were at the event. Warbirds of all sizes, types and wars were represented.

The event was very well organized and run very efficiently. The club leaders and event volunteers really demonstrated a very high level of enthusiasm and excitement which was contagious among the pilots and spectators. I am sure everyone really enjoyed themselves and had a great day. Thanks to everyone for their hospitality and their efforts to make this a great and safe event….Benny

On Saturday October 1, 2016 I had the pleasure to attend Fort Bend RC Club’s Charity Event – Fly-In for St. Jude’s Hospital. Fort Bend’s field is located in Rosenberg, Texas (southwest of Houston).

The event was very well attended by both pilots and spectators. Visitors had the opportunity to “try their hand” flying an RC plane with an instructor. In addition during lunch there were flight demonstrations including several impressive turbine aircraft.

Fort Bend RC has a very nice facility including air-conditioned club house, restrooms, covered shade area and paved runways.

I believe everyone enjoyed the day and enjoyed the demonstrations and great BBQ sandwiches – I know I did….Thanks to all of the members that put on a well done and safe charity event.

Tim Haskins, long term member and Officer of Alvin RC Model Airplane Association (ARCMAA) passed away in June of 2016. Tim was an old fashion kind of modeler which included kit building and scratch building. He enjoyed all types and sizes of airplanes including WWI and WWII warbirds and had recently gotten into and was enjoying helicopters.

Tim was a common face at Alvin’s field and many events at other fields in the Houston area. He was known by many members of the local RC community and was always willing to help others as an instructor or simply by providing friendly assistance when needed. Tim was President of ARCMAA for several years and was instrumental in a major expansion of the club’s clubhouse.

Tim will be missed by his friends at RC flying fields around the Houston area.

On Saturday July 16, 2016 the Alvin Radio Control Model Airplane Association (ARCMAA) held its 26th annual Big Bird Fly In and 12th annual Swap Meet. This event was rescheduled from March due to a rain out. This time the weather was typical Texas mid-July – no rain but a little “warm”. The event was well attended with about 26 pilots registered along with many local RC visitors from local clubs and spectators.

The event was opened with the playing of our National Anthem while the flag was very nicely displayed from Paul Curry’s Cub – very nice way to display our flag. I believe the entire event was very well done and run very smoothly and safely.

Airplane entries were a complete cross section of airplanes in our hobby from large scale cubs to large warbirds and everything in between.

At the noon time break CD Fred Daniels held a special ceremony re-naming Alvin’s flying field to “Vance Field”. This was done to honor Phil Vance who was a founding member of Alvin RC, which was chartered by the AMA in 1974. Phil began building and flying RC planes in the early 70’s and was a continuous active key member, trustee & officer of the club until his passing in May of this year. Phil was also instrumental in the purchasing of the land in the 80’s on which the club’s field is located today. Phil’s wife and several family members were present for the ceremony.

Thanks to all of the pilots, CD Fred Daniels and all of the club volunteers that made this a great event and ceremony…Benny Behrens, District VIII AVP

Paul Curry of Space City displaying flag during playing of National Anthem

Family members of Phil Vance attending the ceremony naming the field Vance Field

On Saturday June 11th I visited Brazoria County Modelers Association Big Bird Fly In. Their field is located in Oyster Creek, TX which is near Freeport, TX. The club has a great flying field with a 600 foot paved runway and almost unlimited overfly area. The event was well attended with approximately 28 registered pilots and many spectators. After all the rain within the week prior to the event the field was dry and weather conditions were great with a breeze right down the runway. Everyone got lots of flying in and the barbeque sandwich plates were great. The club’s members did a great job of running a smooth and safe event and I believe everyone had a great time.

On May 7, 2016 Phillip Vance, Sr. passed away. Phil was a founding member and Icon of the Alvin RC Modelers Association (Alvin RC) in Alvin, Texas and an avid RC modeler since the early 70’s. The following Remembrance was provided by Grady Owens, Treasurer of the Alvin RC Club
Alvin RC Club Remembers Phillip Vance, SR.
May 10, 1928 – May 7, 2016
I met Phil Vance in 2002 when I joined Alvin RC Modelers Association, more popularly known as Alvin RC Club. He was the club treasurer at the time. He signed my first membership card, took my dues, of course, and gave me a new member briefing. I quickly learned that Phil was the embodiment of the history and spirit of the Alvin RC Club, and reflecting on this man’s involvement and personal effort in club activities over many years, I must conclude that Phillip Vance was the Alvin RC Club.
Since the founding of the Club in 1975, it would be difficult to examine any activity that did not involve him. Over the years he has been President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Trustee. He has filled the Trustee role since 1983 and only recently gave it up because of poor health and advanced age.
He wrote a history of Alvin RC Club and put together a legacy file for us so that we can carry on in his absence. It can be said without hyperbole that this man made our club his life’s mission. It can also be said that he carried on that mission with great care, diligence, and integrity. He loved our hobby, he loved the fellowship of modelers, and he remained steadfast to Alvin RC Club - his club - to the end.
One last action is worth mentioning. Phil wrote his own position description for club trustee. An excerpt from that description says, “The role of the trustee is a call to leadership, leadership through cooperation between all club members, (and) leadership through group action.”
Phil Vance “did good.” We will miss him.
Rest in peace, Phil. I can see you flying a model airplane through heaven’s sky.
Grady Owens
Treasurer, Alvin RC Club

On Saturday April 23, 2016 I had the privilege to visit Johnson Space Center RC Club’s (JSCRCC) Warbird Fly-In. JSCRCC has held off holding events at their field at Johnson Space Center due to increased security restrictions after 9/11. Last year they decided to hold a Warbird event but with the requirement that all pilots and visitors had to preregister to allow security to clear them through the gate prior to the event. Last year their event went well and this year they had a really great and well attended event.

By observation their security folks did a great job in hassle free handling of the security checks and it did not appear to be any real burden or restriction on attendance. The security folks were very helpful and courteous at the entrance gate. JSCRCC had 37 pilots registered and many visitors/spectators. Weather for the event was great but due to the continuous rains several days prior to the event volunteers spent two days pumping water from the area to get the field ready for event day - it turned out perfect. As with all events volunteers are critical and JSCRCC’s crew did a great job.

There were many, many different type military aircraft from small electrics to large scale B-17’s and B-24. Entries included Butch McEachern’s beautifully build Boeing P-26 Peashooter. This year was highlighted by being Boeing’s Centennial and special awards were given for best Boeing Bomber and best Boeing warbird. Pilots came from as far away as Fort Worth and Austin.

Thanks to all of the pilots and club volunteers that made this a very successful and enjoyable event…I am sure everyone enjoyed themselves….I know I did…Thanks Benny Behrens, AVP Houston Area.

Jack Alfred (John) Webb
Jack (John) Alfred Webb, 85, left this world peacefully in his sleep after a long battle with cancer on March
9, 2016. He was born, at home, on February 21, 1931 in Tonawanda, New York to the late Edwin Dyer
Webb Jr. and Daisy Phillips Webb. He is survived by his sister Carolyn Webb Gentz and brother in-law
Bruce Gentz of Grand Island, New York; nephew David Gentz with wife Mary Gentz with their children,
Phillip and Katie Gentz of Grand Island, New York; his daughters Molly Kistler with grandsons Zachary
and Nicholas Kistler of Friendswood, TX; Nora Webb of Pendleton, NY; and son, Edwin John Webb with
wife Meghann Clark Webb and grand-daughter Josephine Violet Clark Webb in Seattle, Washington.
At 17 years of age, Jack Webb earned Eagle Scout and The Distinguished Rifleman medal from the National Rifle
Association. At 19, he earned The God and Country Award. After graduated from North Tonawanda High School 1950,
he began working as a tool and die apprentice at Spaulding Fiber Co. 1950-1970. John joined the United States Coast
Guard Reserve. Jack was employed with Thiele- Coal and Feed, and Houdaille Hydraulics in Buffalo, NY; Grumman
Houston Corp.; J.W. Lighting Inc., and Fyco Tool and Die, Inc. all in Houston, TX. He retired on Feb. 1, 1996. Jack
resided in Friendswood.
Jack's hobbies were hunting, fishing, photography, shooting at the range, and radio controlled airplanes and boats. The
Alvin RC was an everyday reward, to talk with friends, fly his planes and be away from doctors and hospitals.
Jack was a fighter. He endured 6 rounds of chemotherapy and 3 experimental treatments. He stayed positive throughout
his battle, hoping the research that was being done with him could help others. He was a model to his children and
grandchildren of high work ethic, honesty and being prepared. Jack, his sense of humor and love of flying will be missed
greatly.
There will be a family service in North Tonawanda, NY in May.
Published on yourfriendswoodnews.com from Mar. 23 to Apr. 5, 2016
Jack Webb Obituary: Jack Webb’s Obituary by the The Friendswood Journal. Page 1 of 1
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/friendswood/obituary-print.aspx?n=jack-alfred-webb-j... 04/19/2016

On Saturday April 9 and Sunday April 10, 2016 Alvin RC Model Airplane Association had the pleasure to host a team of students from Rice University in Houston, TX. The team is in the test flight stages of their entries in the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Design/Build/Fly competition. Alvin RC member Russell Bear served as their AMA pilot for the test flights.

A very brief description of the competition requirements:
• Design, build and fly two airplanes consisting of a Production version and a Manufacturing version.
• Production version is required to be capable of carrying a payload equal to a 32 oz. bottle of fluid as well as allow for disassembly/reassembly to provide for transport in the Manufacturing version.
• Manufacturing version is required to be capable of transporting the components of the Production version over a prescribed course making as many trips as necessary to transport and reassemble the Production version.
• Prepare and submit a detailed report of their entire project.
• The flight competition will include flying the manufacturing plane without a payload, flying the production plane with a payload, and transporting the subcomponents of the Production version within the Manufacturing version. All flying will be over a prescribed course and time frame. In addition pilots do not have to be members of the university but must be AMA pilots.
• Additional detailed information is available on AIAA’s website.

This is a challenging project and the final judging will take place April 15, 16 and 17.

Saturday April 9, 2016 the Texas City RC Club held their annual Warbird Fly-In and Crawfish Festival. The event was a huge success with 39 registered pilots, many swap meet participants, great raffle prizes and many spectators and visitors. Travis LeDoux, the club Secretary, handled the Crawfish Festival and did an outstanding job of boiling the crawfish with potatoes and corn all seasoned perfectly.

There were many types and sizes of military aircraft represented providing a great show for the spectators and visitors. The weather was typical spring conditions - cool and very flyable with the flight line full for most of the day. The event was run very smooth and efficiently thanks to efforts of many club volunteers.

Looks like the event season in the Houston area is getting off to a busy start. Saturday March 26, 2016 there were several club membership meetings along with several Swap Meets and Fun Fly’s. Jetero held a Fly-In in celebration of their 20th Anniversary, Johnson Space Center RC held their annual Iron Mike Swap Meet and Fort Bend RC held their annual Fun Fly and Swap Meet.

I managed to attend the club meeting at Alvin RC and then the Fun Fly and Swap Meet at Fort Bend RC. The weather for all events in the area was great with lots of sun shine and cool temperatures. There was a little breeze but mostly from a direction that allowed flying.

Fort Bend’s event was an enjoyable and relaxed outing that saw many swap meet items, lots of flying with anything from trainers to turbines, raffle and capped off with great barbeque sandwiches. Thanks to all of the members and volunteers of Fort Bend RC that put together a very pleasant and enjoyable event…Benny Behrens, District VIII AVP Houston Area

The Second Pearl Harbor Remembrance Fly-In was held at Space City RC Club in Katy, Texas on Sunday December 6, 2015. There were several different type Japanese aircraft and US aircraft represented. At lunch time Paul Curry, the organizer of the event, read a moving account of the day including the president’s speech. Sorry to say that some of the Japanese planes did not survive the event. Lunch was provided by the club for the pilots. Turnout was great and the weather was perfect for the event. The one that Paul organized last year was held on Sunday December 7, 2014 matching the day and time of the attack. The weather was horrible but, still a few guys with Japanese planes showed up.
Paul has mentioned that he wants to do this every year in remembrance of the ones who lost their lives on that faithful day.

On December 12, 2015 I invited representatives from 10 local AMA Chartered clubs in the Houston, TX area (South of I10) to a meeting to explore the possibility and potential benefits of forming a local Chapter. At this initial meeting we had 5 clubs represented with two additional clubs having to back out at the last minute due to conflicts (in hind sight December 12 was probably not the best date for our meeting due to the Holidays).

I believe the meeting turned out to be very positive with those present interested in the potential benefits. It was decided to meet on a regular basis and hopefully we will be able to build on the interest and momentum we have started. Below for information is a copy of the minutes to our initial meeting:

Purpose of Meeting:
Discuss possible interest and potential benefits in forming a local chapter of AMA Chartered Clubs.

Summary of Meeting:
• Benny discussed his role as local area AVP and possible ways he might be able to assist and support clubs through AMA interface, communications, posting articles of interest to members and clubs along with event flyers on District VIII’s website (http://www.ama-dist-8.org/), information distribution, etc.
• As a group we discussed the various potential benefits to forming a local chapter.
o Improved communications between clubs, AMA and the local community
o Consolidated representation
o Sharing of experiences and activities, ideas, issues, etc. that worked or doesn’t work.
o Sharing of common problems and solutions
o Sharing access to potential resources in areas such as printing and guest speakers.
o Ways to increase membership, meeting and event attendance
o Possibility of allowing members of chapter clubs to fly at other chapter club’s fields with payment of nominal landing fees. To be discussed further.
• It was suggested that we try doing a quarterly newsletter.
• Based on our discussions it was decided that we would meet quarterly.
• Next meeting members will review information and decide on filing the chapter formally with AMA or keeping it loose for now.
• At or prior to our next meeting members can submit items and articles to be included in the newsletter and or used as agenda items.
Next Meeting:
• February 6, 2016
• Location: Alvin RC Club House
• Time: 10 AM – Breakfast will be available 7 – 9:30 AM
• Agenda items to be sent to Benny

I would like to Second Brian Regan’s thanks to Mark Johnston. I believe Mark has done a great job over the last 3 years as our District VP. I know Mark has put a lot of effort into visiting clubs/events across the District and in representing our interest on the EC. Over the last three years I have seen substantial improvements in representation and communications. In addition the implementation of our new website has been a major improvement and hopefully will provide much improved communications in years to come. Thanks Mark

Saturday December 5, 2015 Alvin RC Model Airplane Association held an Open House and Fun Fly open to all local AMA members to come fly whatever they had. Only conditions were all AMA and Club Flight and Safety requirements applied. No landing fees and food (breakfast tacos and great Louisiana Gumbo thanks to Travis LeDoux, Secretary of Texas City RC Club) was free. The weather was almost as good as it gets, light wind, cool and sunny-you couldn’t ask for better. Pilot participation was good with lots of different airplanes and flying styles. In addition we had many interested spectators and guests. There seemed to be several airplanes in the air most of the day with no safety issues and along the way Alvin picked up two new club members.

It was a lot of fun with local RC friends and spectators and I believe everyone got their share of flight time, food and fellowship.

Ray Randolph passed away Sunday night October 18, 2015. Ray was a member of both Texas City RC Club and Johnson Space Center RC Club and was past President of Johnson Space Center RC Club. Most people remember Ray for his Tetherite landing gear and other items.

Obituary for Ray Randolph:

Raymond Arthur Randolph "Ray" was born November 5, 1936 into this world and passed over into the Lord's hands on October 18, 2015. He graduated from the McDonald Douglas Aerospace Engineering School and University of Houston. He spent his career as an aerospace engineer, working on the Apollo, Skylab, Apollo-Soyuz, Space Shuttle and Space Station programs at Kennedy Space Center and Johnson Space Center. For hobbies, Ray loved cooking on his Weber "The Grill" perfecting the Rib-Eye, fishing, and flying remote-controlled airplanes. He was a loving husband and father, a generous man with a tender heart. He leaves behind wife Resha Randolph; son Robert Jeffrey "Jeff" and wife Cathy Randolph; daughter Kristin Randolph-Westerhof and husband Rob Westerhof, grandson AJ Randolph-Westerhof; step-daughter Laila Sandel, and step-grandsons Damon Samoska and Devin Sandel; many other family members and friends who will miss him greatly. He was preceded in death by his mother Ameila Randolph and father Art Randolph. The Family will receive friends at 10am with a Memorial Service at 11am on Saturday, October 24, 2015 at Crowder Funeral Home, 1645 East Main, League City, Texas 77573. In Lieu of flowers, you may send a memorial to a charity of your choice.

Saturday October 3, 2015 Alvin RC Model Airplane Association, Alvin, TX had their Annual Warbird Fly-In. Cash prizes were given for Scratch/Kit WWI, WWII, Post WWII, Best ARF and Best Overall on a fun basis with judging by the registered pilots.

Weather was great being clear and cool with mild winds somewhat down the runway. Registration was light with only 12 pilots but the quality of planes and flying was great. Alvin did have a fair turn out of visitors and spectators with lots of great airplanes, flying and of course great hamburgers.

Anyone that did not visit the event missed a great raffle with three ARF’s given out along with some other prizes. The grand raffle prize was a 50cc Aeroworks Yak 54 donated by a member – what a prize for the lucky winner!

CD Ken White and his volunteers did a great job keeping the event moving with lots of safe flying, pilot prizes and good food.

This past weekend Bomber Field in Monaville, TX held their 27th B-17 Gathering and scale Big Bird Fly-In “BB Weber Memorial”. The email and link below will take you to a brief article prepared by Matt Keller aka Bucky owner of RC Hobby Shop Stafford.

http://rchouston.com/bb-weber-memorial-fly-in-2015.html

Click link for Brief article about last weekend’s 27th Annual B-17 Gathering plus view over 30 pilot’s cards showing awesome pictures telling an amazing day.
If you fly in Houston Area you should recognize someone in the article.

Saturday September 5, 2015 Fort Bend RC Club (FBRCC) held their annual Muscular Dystrophy Fly-A-Thon with event proceeds donated to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. This is the 18th consecutive year FBRCC has held this very successful event.

The event was held at FBRCC’s field which is located west of Houston in Rosenberg, TX just north of Highway 59. The club has outstanding facilities with two paved crossing runways of suitable length for most any RC airplane including large scale turbines. 24 pilots were registered and essentially all sized airplanes from basic trainers up to twin engine turbines were safely flown for the pleasure and entertainment of the many spectators and visitors that were on hand.

At lunch time RC Hobby Shop’s Warbird team put on a very impressive demonstration, followed by a great helicopter demonstration after which there was additional flight demonstrations by several pilots flying turbine aircraft.

Rob Longenecker, President of FBRCC, recognized “Charlie Caulkins for successfully managing the elements and volunteers to have such a successful event. We also appreciate the support of the Air Force JROTC and Major Doug Hawn from Dulles High School, who handled donations and food service”. It was obvious that many of the club’s members had a hand in helping make this a very successful event. I am sure the spectators, pilots and RC visitors from local clubs had a great time and really enjoyed the event – I know I did.

And most important the Muscular Dystrophy Association reaped the rewards thanks to all that participated.

Saturday September 5, 2015 Fort Bend RC Club (FBRCC) held their annual Muscular Dystrophy Fly-A-Thon with event proceeds donated to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. This is the 18th consecutive year FBRCC has held this very successful event.

The event was held at FBRCC’s field which is located west of Houston in Rosenberg, TX just north of Highway 59. The club has outstanding facilities with two paved crossing runways of suitable length for most any RC airplane including large scale turbines. 24 pilots were registered and essentially all sized airplanes from basic trainers up to twin engine turbines were safely flown for the pleasure and entertainment of the many spectators and visitors that were on hand.

At lunch time RC Hobby Shop’s Warbird team put on a very impressive demonstration, followed by a great helicopter demonstration after which was there was additional flight demonstrations by several pilots flying their turbine aircraft.

Rob Longenecker, President of FBRCC, recognized “Charlie Caulkins for successfully managing the elements and volunteers to have such a successful event. We also appreciate the support of the Air Force JROTC and Major Doug Hawn from Dulles High School, who handled donations and food service”. It was obvious that many of the club’s members had a hand in helping make this a very successful event. I am sure the spectators, pilots and RC visitors from local clubs had a great time and really enjoyed the event – I know I did.

And most important the Muscular Dystrophy Association reaped the rewards thanks to all that participated.

Texas City RC Club (TCRCC) had their annual Big Bird event scheduled for June 20, 2015 – as with many events in the Houston area it got rained out. TCRCC rescheduled the event for August 22nd, safe bet in the middle of a drought and with temperatures in the 100’s but who would have thought during the week before the event heavy drought breaking rains hit again and the event was rescheduled for August 29th. Then the Monday before the event the field got another 4 inches of rain and a big question mark loomed over the CD Mike Samano and the club members – would the field dry enough to support the event. Well as it turned out the third time was a charm. They could not have asked for better weather – dryer air settled in and dried the field and morning of the event temperatures in the low 70’s, full sun shine and mild winds – after three tries they had picked a winner-the perfect day!!!!!!

Turns out TCRCC had a great event with 37 registered pilots, large spectator turn out and a lot of good safe flying. No one could have asked for a better turnout or overall event. Many types of very nice airplanes were on hand and flown to the spectator’s pleasure and enjoyment of the pilots. Some of the pilots had a great time with mock dog fights (Corsair vs Zero or Zero vs Corsair) but everybody won cause they all went home in one piece.

TCRCC’s members did a great job putting this event together and I believe fun was had by all.

Saturday August 15, 2015 Alvin RC Model Airplane Association celebrated the 3rd Annual National Model Aviation Day by hosting an open fun fly. The event was also a fundraiser for the Wounded Warrior Project along with a local charity. The Boy Scouts prepared and served lunch which included snow cones to help beat the Texas heat. We had a good assortment of helicopters, warbirds, 3D and scale aircraft. Sponsors included individuals, local hobby shops as well as many national suppliers.

24 registered pilots got a full day of flying under almost perfect conditions. In addition the Boy Scouts along with many spectators had an opportunity to try their hand on the simulator and then on a trainer with a buddy box. Little warm but fun was had by all!!!!

On July 11, 2015 Alvin RC Model Airplane Association celebrated its 40th Anniversary at its flying field in Alvin, TX. The event was rescheduled from June 13th at the last minute due to the heavy rains that up until July have plagued the Houston area.

The event was in celebration of the Club’s 40 continuous years of RC Model Airplane fun and included a Fun Fly with events like a balloon bust (no balloons were injured in the event), toilet paper streamer cut (attempted anyway) along with simple continuous open flying by the members. Tom Stancliff a long term member of the club barbequed brisket true Texas style and members brought their specialty covered dish. Becky Bridge, wife of one of our member’s specialty was a custom designed cake (actually two – one for the rain out and one for July 11th). The cakes were designed to reflect many aspects of the club facilities and history.

Inside the clubhouse a memory lane photo history of the club lined the walls. As with many clubs the history included the many challenges necessary over the years to develop and maintain a first class facility. The club owns its own land and has been in its current location since 1983. This alone is quite an accomplishment when we consider all of the changes in equipment and flying styles, maintaining neighbor and community relations and relationships with the modeling community.

The Alvin Club currently has approximately 80 members and is recognized by AMA as a Leader Club – Gold level. The event was well attended and I believe everyone enjoyed the food, flying, friendship and talking about the history that got us where we are today.

Thanks to all that contributed to making the event a success and the Club a success.

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